Late Ice Crappies on Mud Flats
It is getting close to that time of year were our ice fishing season closes for pike, walleye and bass and ice anglers begin to focus on panfish and late ice crappies in particular.
When setting up on late ice crappies I have tended to fish in kind of a non-traditionally crappie spot and that has lead to a lot of success. I am set up on a main lake point that sticks out into a mud flat and I am fishing in about 20 feet of water.
These late ice crappies tend to move across from this main lake point into this mud flat because they are searching for food.
It is also a situation where running and gun isn’t necessarily better and I have often found more success pick out my spot and letting the fish come to me.
Invertebrates like mayfly larvae and bloodworms are rising from the mud and that’s what these fish are feeding on. Because the fish are keying in on invertebrates I am using a presentation to match that.
I have two different style jigs tied up. A vertical Northland Forage Minnow Jig tipped with a wax worm.
The second style jig is a horizontal style jig like Northland’s Mud Bug Jig and you can rig this with a plastic or some wax worms or spikes.
The benefit of having both style jigs tied up is that you will see some days one will drastically out preform the other so it is nice to have both options ready to go.
I will also set up a dead stick a few feet away from me with a crappie minnow. This just gives the fish another option and helps you cover ground.
For my set up I am using a Tuned Up Customs 32″ Bullwhip and I’ve got it rigged with 3 pound test. This is a great setup for fishing outside for these late ice crappies.
Finding areas with mud transitions like this main lake point, and then using the right baits to match the forage will help you catch more late ice crappies.
Late ice is a great time to go fishing for crappies. In this article, I will share my experience on a solo trip targeting crappies on a lake known for its abundant crappie population. Join me as I take you through my day on the ice, sharing tips and techniques for catching these elusive fish.
Setting Up on the Flats
Instead of fishing the typical crappie habitat like deep depressions or weed lines, I decided to set up on a flat near some structure. This particular lake has large flats, mostly consisting of sand and mud. The reason the fish are out here is because of the invertebrates on the bottom, such as bloodworms and mayfly larvae.
I chose a spot that I have fished before and knew it was a good zone for crappies. The fish on the flats are constantly cruising and feeding on bugs, so I decided to stay put and let the fish come to me throughout the day.
Using Different ————— Presentations and Techniques
To increase my chances of catching crappies, I used a couple of different presentations. One was a horizontal presentation using a Northland Punch Jig tipped with a wax worm. I hooked the wax worm twice in a horizontal position and dropped it down. The tungsten jig allowed it to sink quickly, making it easier to reach the fish in medium-depth waters.
The other presentation I used was a vertical jig with a red-colored Forage Minnow. Since there were bloodworms and mayfly larvae in the area, I either tipped the jig with maggots or a wax worm. Having both a vertical and horizontal jig gave the fish a variety of options to choose from.
In addition to the jigs, I also had a dead stick rod with a large crappie minnow a couple of feet off the bottom. Sometimes, having a second line can make a big difference in attracting fish.
Fishing the Flats
The flat I was fishing on was a large area, spanning more than a few football fields. While you could catch fish anywhere on the flat, some spots are better than others due to the concentration of bugs. By fishing the flat multiple times, I was able to identify the better spots to target.
The depth of the flat ranged from 21 to 23 feet, making it a mid-depth zone. One advantage of fishing in this depth range is that if you practice selective harvest, you can release the fish without harming them. However, if you fish in depths over 30 feet, it’s best to plan on keeping the fish you catch to avoid harming them.
The Benefits of Longer Rods
For this panfish trip, I brought a couple of tuned-up panfish rods with me. The Precision Noodle and the Bull Whip, both 32 inches long, were my choices for the day. Longer rods seem to be trending for panfish fishing, especially when fishing outside.
The benefit of using a longer rod is that it provides better fighting ability when dealing with larger fish. It also allows for more leverage when working a fish, especially when you’re a distance away from the hole. With a longer rod, you have more rod to give for an effective hook set.
In this case, I found that using a longer rod was advantageous when fishing in deeper water. It allowed me to move my bait and rod with a bit of stretch, increasing my chances of hooking more fish. I paired the rods with a 750 Diwa reel and used three-pound Suffix Ice Magic line, which is my go-to line for panfish fishing.
Slow and Steady Wins the Race
When fishing on these big flats for crappies, I discovered that a slow and steady approach was key. Instead of drilling multiple holes and constantly moving around, I let the fish come to me. The crappies on the flats were constantly roaming and feeding on bugs, so I knew that if I stayed patient and persistent, I would eventually catch them.
Throughout the day, I managed to catch several nice crappies. Some I released, while others I kept for a meal. It was a successful day on the ice, and I learned the importance of paying attention to the details and adapting my techniques to the conditions.
Conclusion
Late ice is a prime time to target crappies, and fishing on the flats can be a rewarding experience. By staying patient, using different presentations, and adapting to the conditions, you can increase your chances of catching these elusive fish. Remember to practice selective harvest and release fish responsibly to ensure the sustainability of the fishery. So grab your gear and head out to the ice for some exciting crappie fishing!
